The legal battle whether a “Caretaker Committee” created for AD in Oyo State is legitimate or not came up again in the Federal High Court in Abuja today.
The outcome of the case may impact and decide whether Dr. Akin Onigbinde, SAN or Engr. Hakeem Alao is the legitimate candidate of AD in the 2019 governorship election in Oyo State.
You would recall that Dr. Onigbinde emerged from a primary election organised by the regular EXCO of AD in Oyo State, while Engr Alao emerged from the primary elections conducted by the “Caretaker Committee”.
At the Court, Honourable Justice Giwa Ogunbanjo ordered parties to file some processes, that will make the case ripe for hearing on 1st November, which is the next date fixed by court to hear the matter.
Speaking after the court sitting, the counsel to the plaintiff, Dr Akin Onigbinde, Barrister Tunde Falola explained that the court had to adjourn to ensure that necessary applications are duly filed and give room for the parties involved to respond same.
“the reason for the adjournment is on the instance of the plaintiff, we have file some applications, which the court expects written responses.
He said the court has given all the parties time to file and serve other counsels before the next date of adjournment.
“As counsel to the plaintiffs, we also have a duty to refile our processes, ahead of arguments on the next adjourned date”
On whether the party will meet up with the time stipulated by INEC, Barrister FALOLA noted the plaintiff will meet up with the time stipulated by the electoral Act.
Also speaking, counsel to the defendant, Alliance for Democracy, Barrister SAYO ODUMOSU, said the court is doing its best to hear the matter and give it accelerated hearing.
“we have done all the court processes, we have done the needful and will respond to the plaintiffs applications before the next hearing date”.
